AZTECS HEAD-TO-HEAD

SDSU’s offense vs. Nevada’s defense

Aztecs: San Diego State needs to start fast. The Aztecs cannot afford to go three-and-out on the first three possessions the way they did against New Mexico State last week. The key here is the run game. The Aztecs need to know early on if Adam Muema can penetrate up the middle and earn them some yardage. But if he falters, they have a second option in freshman D.J. Pumphrey, who ran for three touchdowns and 167 yards in Las Cruces. Through the air, the Aztecs need a turnover-free game from QB Quinn Kaehler. Last week marked the first time since the 2012 Nevada game in which SDSU did not throw an interception. Kaehler can do one better here by eliminating fumbles as well.

Wolf Pack: The Wolf Pack has been serviceable against the pass, but soft against the run, which really plays well to the Aztecs’ strengths. Expect the defense – led by ferocious DE Brock Hekking, who has a team-high 6.5 sacks – to go after Kaehler early. But if the Aztecs can get the ground game going, stats indicate that Nevada will have a tough time keeping up. The Wolf Pack is ranked 120th against the run, and opposing teams have averaged about 269.6 yards per game on the ground. If this trend continues, this could be the coming out game Aztecs fans have waited to see from the SDSU running backs.

Edge: Aztecs

SDSU’s defense vs. Nevada’s offense

Aztecs: To stop the Wolf Pack, SDSU’s defense needs to put together a complete game. The Aztecs will be missing middle linebacker Jake Fely, who is out for the season with a broken foot. His replacement, Josh Gavert, needs to show that he can lead this defense and make an impact in the pass rush. Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo is a mobile threat, and if he breaks contain, he’s likely to break for a big play. In the back, SDSU’s defensive backs have to show that they can play solid man coverage and hold the Wolf Pack’s efficient receivers at bay. The Aztecs have, however, held their last two opponents to a combined 50 rushing yards on 47 carries.

Wolf Pack: SDSU will have its hands full trying to slow down Nevada’s pistol offense and triggerman Fajardo. Nevada has always been a strong running team that relies heavily on the read option, but Fajardo is also a deadly accurate passer, and the Wolf Pack is fully capable of taking to the air if they need to. Fajardo is No. 2 nationally in pass completion percentage, has completed 70 percent of his passes, and has not thrown an interception yet. Against Air Force, Nevada finished with a season-high 389 passing yards (a career record for Fajardo) while Brandon Wimberly and Aaron Bradley each caught 15 passes for a combined 169 yards. This team is as adept through the air as it is on the ground.